Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, Conservation International spotlights and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

As part of a geographically distributed team, the Blue Carbon Technical Lead needs to be a reliable, accessible, collaborative, and proactive contributor to the larger Blue Climate Program at CI, encompassing CI’s Center for Oceans, Center Natural Climate Solutions, and the regional field divisions. Their expertise will be pivotal in shaping the organization's strategy in Australia, advising on best opportunities, and keeping abreast of and informing the team of relevant policy, finance, and scientific advancements in Australia. They will guide the development of pilot demonstrations, providing strategic and scientific guidance on project origination, design, and execution in line with CI’s best practice standards, and helping build our strategy for scaling impact through strategic partnerships across the country. They will also support IBCI goals and projects to advance and scale the implementation and impact of blue carbon across South-East Asia, so must be able to manage competing priorities and be prepared to travel as required.

The successful candidate will have knowledge and experience related to climate change, blue carbon ecosystems, and coastal habitat restoration, as well as a demonstrable understanding of the requirements for, and processes for developing, blue carbon projects in the Australian setting. Demonstrated familiarity with international carbon crediting mechanisms and methodologies will be looked upon favorably. The candidate will need a strong interest in working with Indigenous and other partners to advance the accessibility of national and international nature finance streams. They must be apt at building partnerships with potential funders and partners, including government, communities, corporate partners, and other NGOs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic guidance and thought leadership:

• Progress CI Australia’s strategy to develop Indigenous-led blue carbon opportunities in Australia, in line with CI’s overall organizational and Blue Climate goals.
• Provide assessments and advice on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in blue carbon finance, policy, and capacity building in Australia.
• Support IBCI’s strategic goals in applied scientific research and innovation, multi-sectoral capacity development, and partnerships, by being an active contributor to IBCI’s project portfolio.

Blue carbon project development:

• In partnership with CI’s blue carbon team, oversee and lead field and desk-based feasibility assessments to identify and prioritize new blue carbon projects, including (but not exclusively) projects eligible under voluntary and compliance carbon schemes such as Verra VCS and CCB and the Australian Emissions Reduction Fund.
• Assess project documents and work plans against CI’s high-quality principles and safeguard standards.
• Identify gaps in capacity, resourcing, or other enabling conditions for prospective projects, and work with partners and peers to develop and execute plans to fill these gaps resulting in investment-ready blue carbon projects.
• Lead the management and implementation of approved blue carbon projects, ensuring effective coordination with partners, collaborators, contractors, and investors/donors.
• Provide technical input for IBCI’s current and future portfolio of multidisciplinary applied science projects and capacity development programs and knowledge products (e.g. manuals, guidelines).

Leadership in development of blue carbon implementation in Australia:

• Lead CI’s engagement in and contributions to blue carbon science and technical activities including methodology development.
• Foster collaborative relationships with governments, scientists, NGOs, and local communities, promoting knowledge-sharing and capacity-building efforts.
• Inform the development of effective policies and strategies for blue carbon initiatives.
• Collaborate with policymakers and stakeholders to advocate for the integration of blue carbon in national and international climate policies.
• As required, contribute to the publication of findings in reputable scientific journals, author and/or contribute to writing and editing technical reports, manuals, handbooks, and guidelines relating to blue carbon methodologies, and represent the IBCI and CI Australia in national and international forums, conferences, and events.

Financing and Funding Strategies:

• Explore diverse financing and funding mechanisms for blue carbon projects, guiding financial feasibility assessments and securing resources for successful project execution.
• Foster partnerships with public and private entities to advance funding opportunities for blue carbon initiatives.
• Work closely with IBCI Technical Director on proposal development, grant writing, and fundraising to support applied science and innovative solutions in blue carbon.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree in marine science, environmental science, climate change, or a related field.
• 5 to 7 years of professional experience.
• Extensive experience in blue carbon ecosystems, climate change mitigation, and biodiversity conservation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of carbon accounting, national and international carbon policy (e.g., REDD+ policy frameworks, Forest Reference Emissions Levels), and livelihood development approaches.
• Demonstrated experience assessing project quality, feasibility, and risks.
• Strong understanding of Australian domestic policy frameworks, financing mechanisms, carbon accounting, carbon markets, and funding options for nature-based solutions.
• Superb oral and written communication skills including experience collaborating with and communicating for a broad variety of audiences, both technical and non-technical including academic, media, and fund-raising.
• Proven ability to collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary and multicultural team and work toward developing, problem-solving, and executing a shared vision for CI Australia.
• Excellent time and project management skills, with an ability to juggle multiple priorities and deadlines.

Application deadline: August 31, 2024

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.